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Consumer Reports January 1st, 2025 Digital Back Issue Cover

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46 Articles

AS I PREPARE to step down after 10 wonderful years leading CR, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come—and where consumers stand today. In many ways, the marketplace is unrecognizable compared with when I joined CR’s remarkable team. The digital world has evolved at a breakneck pace, altering nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Consumer threats have evolved, too. A handful of digital platforms exert unprecedented control over what we see, the information we encounter is muddled like never before, and innovation arrives faster than our ability to create responsible consumer protections around it. Given the scale of change we’re grappling with, there has never been a more vital moment to recognize the power we have as consumers. Because it isn’t only the threats we…

Building a Better World, Together

Preventing Tragic Tip-Overs CR fought long and hard alongside parent advocates to reduce the risk of furniture tip-overs, which have caused hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries of children over the past two decades. Finally, in 2022, the Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth (or STURDY) Act was passed. Now, more than a year after the law went into effect, a CR investigation has found that the new safety standards are clearly working—but there’s still reason for concern. First the good news: We put 12 popular dresser models through our rigorous tip-over tests, which are based on the requirements of the STURDY Act. All those manufactured after the rule went into effect on Sept. 1, 2023, passed. But there’s still work to be done. The rule applies only to dressers manufactured…

Building a Better World, Together

I NOTICED that there are no Subaru models listed in any of the categories in the article [midsized cars, SUVs, etc.]. I was under the impression that Subaru vehicles were very safe. Should I be concerned about the 2025 Forester Premium that we just purchased? —Chris Kniest, St. Louis EDITOR’S NOTE Great question—and it’s one many other readers have asked. Our list consisted of vehicles that performed well in crash protection, included effective crash avoidance systems as standard equipment, and excelled in our track testing for crash avoidance. For the 2024 model year, most Subaru models lacked blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning as standard on all trims. Both remain optional on the Forester for the 2025 model year. Yours may have those systems if you purchased a package that…

What We’re Testing in Our Labs …

Air Fryers WE TESTED: 77 models WE TEST FOR: How quietly a model operates and how easy it is to use and clean. We also measure the basket to indicate how much food it can cook in a single batch. ABOUT THE SCORES: Median: 70 Range: 47-81 TOPS AMONG LARGER FRYERS Tabitha Brown for Target 8 Qt. Digital $70 OVERALL SCORE QUIET & COLORFUL Pioneer Woman PW6136170192004 (6.3 Qt.) $80 OVERALL SCORE EASY-TO-USE CONTROLS Nuwave Brio Plus 37401 (8 Qt.) $130 OVERALL SCORE Humidifiers WE TESTED: 81 models WE TEST FOR: The model’s daily output, the amount of noise it makes, how easy it is to use, how energy-efficient it is, and how well the unit works with hard water. ABOUT THE SCORES: Median: 75 Range: 26-95 BEST PORTABLE MODEL Lasko UH150 $20 OVERALL SCORE BEST MIDSIZED MODEL Honeywell HUL430B $74 OVERALL SCORE BEST LARGE MODEL Levoit Classic 300S $70 OVERALL SCORE Woks WE TESTED: 10 models WE TEST FOR: How quickly the…

What We’re Testing in Our Labs …

How can I keep cheese from getting moldy?

THE RIGHT STORAGE is the key to preventing mold and keeping cheese fresher longer. Hard cheese like cheddar and Parmesan last the longest (about three to four weeks after opening) because of their lower moisture content, making them less susceptible to spoilage. Soft cheese like Brie or ricotta spoils faster and should be consumed within one to two weeks once opened. Cheese should be stored at about 37° F in your fridge in a crisper or dedicated cheese drawer. Once you’ve broken the original vacuum-sealed packaging, some experts recommend wrapping the cheese in waxed paper or parchment paper instead of plastic wrap, particularly for higher moisture, softer cheese. This will allow it to breathe without it getting dried out. Putting it in an airtight container is also a great option…

How can I keep cheese from getting moldy?

What Cleans Dishes Best?

The brand of dish soap that you use can make all the difference between easy cleanups and long scrubbing sessions. We put 10 well-known dish soaps to the test to find out which ones get things squeaky clean. We caked dishes in ketchup and chicken tikka masala, then washed them in warm water with each product, using a new sponge each time. The winners had long-lasting suds and also didn’t leave hands feeling chapped. EDITOR’S CHOICE Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid (Original Scent) 19¢ per ounce Dawn’s formula easily handled the mess on our plates. The suds were plentiful and thick, and even after all eight plates were clean, there were still plenty of suds left for more. CLEANS WELL WITH A LOVELY SCENT Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap (Basil Scent) 31¢ per ounce The basil scent of…

What Cleans Dishes Best?

3 Ways to Stop Heel Pain

If your heels hurt, you could have plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. The first is caused by excess pressure on the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that attaches the heel bone to the toes, and the second is caused by overuse of the Achilles tendon, which connects calf muscles to the heel bone. Both can make your heels hurt after exercise or after you first stand up after a long rest (like when you get out of bed in the morning). Another cause of achy heels is the thinning of the protective fat pad on the bottom of your foot, which can happen as we age. To get some relief, try these strategies—but if your heel pain hasn’t subsided after two weeks of self-care, it’s time to…

3 Ways to Stop Heel Pain

Time Traveler LAUNDRY

1940 We test 44 laundry soaps to see which cleans clothes best. No one brand stands out, so we recommend buying the least pricey detergent. 1959 CR is impressed with the $400 Norge washing machine, which offers five different types of settings, including for temperature and spin cycle. 1967 We test 36 irons that spray clothes with both water and steam (and that cost up to $3 more than steam-only irons). Our verdict? They're worth the extra money. 1971 Many laundry detergents use phosphates that pollute American waterways. We ask roughly 300 families to test non-phosphate products, and we learn that those cleansers work just as well as ones with phosphates. 1989 Our lab finds that dryers with moisture sensors (like this top-rated Whirlpool) dry better than those with only temperature sensors. 1993 We test…

Time Traveler LAUNDRY

Brrr! Warm Up With These Hot Winter Deals.

A TOASTY DUVET Buffy Cloud Comforter $195 The top pick from our review, this comforter has a pillowy filling made from recycled plastic that shouldn't clump—and it keeps you toasty. CR SAVINGS! 25% OFF USE CODE CRBuff25 on BUFFY.CO OVERALL SCORE HOT DRINKS ON THE GO S'well 16oz Traveler $35 This S'well insulated travel mug earned a top rating in our tests, keeping drinks hot for more than 11 hours. It also feels great in your hand. CR SAVINGS! 30% OFF USE CODE CONSUMERREPORTS on SWELL.COM 1 EXTRA THICK TOWELS Brooklinen Super-Plush Turkish Cotton Bath Towels $71 for two These huge, soft towels were the most absorbent in our evaluation. They are a good choice for bundling up in after a shower on cold days. CR SAVINGS! 20% OFF USE CODE CRPLUSH20 on BROOKLINEN.COM 2 A WARM SEAT Brondell Swash 1000 $600 This bidet attachment offers real cold-weather comfort: It has a…

Brrr! Warm Up With These Hot Winter Deals.

Is Cinnamon Safe to Eat?

We sprinkle cinnamon on lattes and oatmeal, bake it into pies, and even add it to chili. So CR’s team of food safety scientists were alarmed when the Food and Drug Administration recently warned consumers to avoid 17 ground cinnamon products because they contained over 2 parts per million of lead—enough to pose a health threat. We decided to test 36 other cinnamon products. Our results were also concerning: Twelve of the 36 products we tested measured above 1 part per million (ppm) of lead. What this means: If you ingest just a quarter teaspoon of one of the brands on our “Don’t Use” list (below), you’ll be taking in more lead than you should eat in an entire day. While lead exposure in children can be particularly dangerous, causing…

Is Cinnamon Safe to Eat?

Be Prepared for Winter Driving Emergencies

Winter storms cause all kinds of unexpected challenges for drivers. Keeping a well-stocked emergency kit in your car will help you and your passengers stay safe if you find yourself on the side of the road in winter. You can build your own kit, but we’ve found that it’s more cost-effective to buy a premade one that packs the essentials into a portable bag. The Winter Cross Country kit ($85), shown at right, was the most complete of the kits we looked at. It includes a collapsible shovel, a blanket, a flashlight, and a first aid kit, as well as a screwdriver, pliers, a utility knife, jumper cables, a tow rope, and safety staples like a reflective window-mounted triangle to help other cars see your car in dark and/or snowy conditions. Another…

Be Prepared for Winter Driving Emergencies

No matter how spotless your house is, the air inside can still be dirty—especially in winter, when windows are shut tight, keeping fresh air out. And if you have pets, cook frequently, and/or burn wood in your fireplace, your air quality may be even more problematic. Using an air purifier can really help. But our tests of more than 150 models reveal that some do a much better job than others. Check out our top models, below, which cleared the air of pollutants quickly on both their low- and high-speed fan settings. It’s best to place air purifiers in the rooms you spend the most time in, like your bedroom or kitchen, and to keep them running on low, turning them up to high only when you’re in the room.…

Sending back gifts can be a real pain: Usually, you need to print out a label, repackage the gift, and ship it, or haul it to a store and wait in a long customer service line. But these shortcuts can help you ditch the packaging, skip the lines, and get that refund faster. Don't Bother With Return Labels or Packaging Some major retailers now offer return options that don't require you to repackage your items or print anything. Amazon allows some items to be returned to UPS and Whole Foods drop-off locations. You hand the item over and scan a return QR code on your smartphone. (If you opt to receive a refund back into your Amazon account, you’ll see it within hours, rather than waiting days for a credit or debit…

Best (and Worst) Party Snacks

PIZZA CR FAVORITE Amy’s Cheese Pizza $9 In our staff taste tests of frozen pizzas, Amy’s was a big winner for its cheesy, garlicky goodness and yummy crust—crispy on the outside and tender inside. SKIP IT DiGiorno Four Cheese Rising Crust Pizza $6 DiGiorno’s pizza crust had a white bread texture that went gummy in our mouths. And the cheese was pretty tasteless, too. TORTILLA CHIPS CR FAVORITE Tostitos Bite Size Tortilla Chips $4 These chips are tasty and sturdy enough to scoop up thicker dips without cracking. Their small size ensures a good chip-to-dip ratio. SKIP IT Green Mountain Gringo Yellow Corn Tortilla Strips $3 These were among the least-liked chips we tried. They have a dippable shape, but we didn't like their overly fried, oily flavor. FINGER FOOD CR FAVORITE Spring Valley Cocktail Beef Franks $7 Our staff labeled these pigs in a blanket a…

Best (and Worst) Party Snacks

HONDA ACCORD, CIVIC, AND CR-V VEHICLES Honda is recalling 720,810 Accord, Civic, and CR-V vehicles because of concerns that a defective high-pressure fuel pump may develop cracks that could leak fuel. The recalled models are the 2023-2024 Honda Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2025 Civic Sedan and Civic Sedan Hybrid, and 2023-2025 CR-V Hybrid. When a problem develops, a fuel smell may be detectable when idling or driving. The leak creates a risk of fire, crash, or injury. What to do: Owners will be notified by mail and directed to a local dealership for a free inspection. If a problem is found, the pump will be replaced. Contact Honda customer service at 888-234-2138. The NHTSA campaign number is 24V763, and Honda’s number for this recall is PJW. BESTWAY AIRJET & HYDROJET SPA PUMPS Bestway is…

The Way to Stay Fit at Home

YOGA MAT Iuga Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat $60-$66 theiuga.com RESISTANCE BANDS First Place Safety Toners $16-$24 www.performbetter.com BALANCE PAD ProsourceFit Exercise Balance Pad $27 prosourcefit.com It’s COLD. MANY HOURS OF THE DAY ARE DARK. Exercise is critical for your physical and mental health, but it’s harder to do when even walking outside seems unappealing or unsafe. And gym memberships can be pricey. The average monthly cost ($65) was up 9 percent in 2023, according to the Health and Fitness Association. Enter the home gym. “In the amount of time it would take you to get to a gym, you can be done with your home workout,” says Tom Holland, an exercise physiologist and trainer in Darien, Conn. The key to building a home gym you’ll actually use (and even enjoy) is thinking about what you want to spend and how much…

The Way to Stay Fit at Home

WORKOUT CLASSES IN YOUR HOME GYM

A home gym makes it easier to exercise, but you still have to turn it into a habit—otherwise your new gear might gather dust. Apps and programs that offer guided workouts and virtual group classes offer motivation and fresh ideas. Free videos If you’re just getting started with strength training, search for the Mayo Clinic’s strength training “How-To Video Collection” for some helpful basics. Ready for more? The YMCA at Home YouTube channel offers dozens of free guided routines for cardio, strengthening, and stretching. If you want more variety and goal-oriented programs, the free Nike Training Club app offers a library of trainer-guided workouts for everything from yoga to strength, and you can sort by the equipment needed to match what you have at home. Paid apps and programs Your cardio machine—a NordicTrack, Peloton,…

HOW TO STAY SAFE ON A TREADMILL

Treadmills are responsible for thousands of injuries every year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. When setting up your home gym to include a treadmill, think about the following: Make sure you have the space to avoid colliding with a wall in case of a fall. Your owner’s manual will tell you how much space to allow to the sides and back, but aim to have at least 2 feet on each side and 6 feet behind. Don’t forget to check the ceiling height, too, because a treadmill deck is several inches off the floor. An emergency shutoff function is a must. It kicks in if you trip or drift too far toward the back of the deck and dislodge the safety key. Lock the treadmill when it’s not in use if…

NATURAL CURES Which Ones Work (and Which Don’t)

OUR INTEREST in nontraditional treatments for conditions like arthritis, back pain, insomnia, and high blood pressure has probably never been higher. Nearly 40 percent of Americans tried an approach like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, or chiropractic in 2022, according to an analysis published in JAMA—about double the percentage who went for such therapies 20 years earlier. A September 2024 Consumer Reports nationally representative survey of 2,146 U.S. adults found that 40 percent had taken a dietary supplement like fish oil, melatonin, or vitamins to treat a specific medical problem, and 64 percent of them said that it helped. Why are we so keen on these different ways of handling our health concerns? A 2020 review in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies concluded that it’s partly due to dissatisfaction with conventional…

NATURAL CURES Which Ones Work (and Which Don’t)

HOW TO PICK A HIGH-QUALITY SUPPLEMENT

When you’re shopping for dietary supplements, it’s important to choose carefully—because the Food and Drug Administration generally doesn’t regulate supplements the way it does drugs. So you can’t always be sure that what’s on the label is what’s in the bottle. For instance, in a 2023 study published in JAMA, 22 of 25 brands of melatonin gummies evaluated contained different amounts of the hormone from what was listed on their labels. One product had 347 percent of the labeled amount. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? Check supplement packaging for a seal from an independent testing group like the nonprofit US Pharmacopeia, which sets the most widely accepted standards for dietary supplements, according to CR’s experts. (Find a list of USP-verified products at qualitysupplements.org.) Another reputable testing organization is the not-for-profit NSF International (search…

HOW TO FIND A ‘NATURAL’ HEALTHCARE PRO

The mini-guide below can help you locate practitioners with the right credentials—and avoid potential pitfalls. As you’re deciding whom to see, ask providers about their training and education, and whether they’re licensed or certified in the treatment you’re interested in, says Jeremy Ng, PhD. Also, find out whether they’ll communicate with your primary care doctor or specialist, and get specifics about any therapy you’re considering: risks, costs, insurance coverage, and how it will work with your current care. ACUPUNCTURIST (LAC) In most states, acupuncturists must graduate from an accredited master’s or doctorate program in the practice, and be both state licensed and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. You can search for practitioners at asacu.org/find-a-practitioner or directory.nccaom.org. CHIROPRACTOR In the U.S., chiropractors must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)…

RISKY REMEDIES TO AVOID

Weight loss supplements You may see various over-the-counter products marketed as weight loss aids, such as Hydroxycut and Jacked Factory Burn XT. According to the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements, there’s little evidence that weight loss supplements are effective. Plus, some may interact with medications, and a few may even cause harm. Last October, for instance, the Food and Drug Administration cautioned that the weight loss supplement Itcha XS contained unlisted antidepressants that should be only in prescription medications. Also in October, the FDA noted that the Body Shape Weight Loss System was found to contain sibutramine. This controlled substance was taken off the market in 2010 because it can substantially increase both blood pressure and heart rate. Yohimbe Avoid any supplements that contain this herb. While yohimbe is said…

SAVE $500 ON CELL SERVICE THIS YEAR

IT’S HARD TO GET THROUGH modern life without a cell phone. And cell service has gotten expensive. The average American shells out around $135 a month for it, according to a 2024 survey from the global data and analytics company J.D. Power. But there’s a relatively easy way to shrink that by $40 or more—without giving up great reception and unlimited data. The secret? Switch from AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon to a smaller provider like Consumer Cellular or Mint Mobile. Consumer Reports members who have done this said they’re saving close to $500 a year. In our member surveys, Consumer Cellular, Mint Mobile, and other smaller companies beat out big-name carriers for value and customer support. For overall satisfaction, they absolutely crushed AT&T and Verizon in particular, but they outshined T-Mobile as well.…

SAVE $500 ON CELL SERVICE THIS YEAR

HOW TO FIND A Great Home Health Aide

FIVE YEARS AGO Judy and Jack Rothman, who live in Los Angeles, realized they needed to bring in a professional caregiver. Jack, now age 97, had serious health issues that Judy, now 92, struggled to manage on her own. “It became very difficult, and I knew I needed help,” Judy says. Fortunately, when he was working, Jack had been a professor of social work, so the couple was able to tap a number of knowledgeable contacts. Through one, they were put in touch with Lynn Anderson, a home health aide. Anderson now manages the couple’s care, including shopping, cooking, and health needs. Plus she oversees fill-in caregivers when they are necessary. “We’ve really come to rely on Lynn, and we enjoy her company,” Judy says. Chances are, you or someone close to…

HOW TO FIND A Great Home Health Aide

Hiring an Aide? What to Ask.

To find the right caregiver, it’s best to conduct multiple interviews with candidates. “Seeing someone once may not tell you enough,” says Danielle Miura, a certified financial planner in Ripon, Calif., with a focus on caregiving needs. The conversations can give you a clearer idea of the caregiver’s personality and attitude. Here are key topics to discuss. Do they have credentials, and are they valid and up to date? States have different requirements regarding how much training and what kind of credentials caregivers need to have, with many requiring certified nursing assistants, for example, to pass an exam to demonstrate competency. So make sure you know what’s required where you live. (To find the rules in your area, check with your local Area Agency on Aging.) Is the caregiver a U.S. citizen or…

When Assisted Living Is Needed

Nearly 8 out of 10 older adults would rather stay in their own home than move, according to a 2022 AARP survey. But that’s not always possible. Depending on your loved one’s needs, your family member might find an assisted living facility or nursing home more affordable, and it may provide more care and medical oversight than you can manage on your own, says Steven Barlam, CEO of JFS Care in Los Angeles. These signs may indicate that it’s time to consider a move. You are paying a lot for a full schedule of care. Eight to 10 hours of care a day, seven days a week, can easily run $120,000 a year or more. That’s almost twice the median cost for a one-bedroom apartment in assisted living, which averages roughly $64,200,…

When Assisted Living Is Needed

THE TRUTH ABOUT ENERGY BARS

Energy bars have come a long way since they took off in the 1980s. Early brands like PowerBar and Clif Bar were marketed as workout fuel for athletes, quickly followed by bars by Atkins and ZonePerfect designed to help with weight loss. Now, they’re not just found in gyms and health food stores; they’ve gone mainstream, available in just about every gas station snack aisle, supermarket, and drugstore for anyone looking for a healthy snack or an on-the-go meal. You may have a bar in your kitchen, office, or purse right now. About 40 percent of people say they eat one a few times a week, according to Mintel, a market research agency. Looking at their wrappers, most bars seem like they’d be good for you. Certainly better than a Snickers…

THE TRUTH ABOUT ENERGY BARS

THE BEST (& WORST) BARS

To make it easier for our testers to compare the bars fairly, we grouped them into three categories based on the ingredients they focus on: The categories are fruit and nuts or seeds; whole grains; and protein. (None of these categories is better than another. There are healthy and not-so-good options in each.) They’re ranked here by nutrition score, followed by taste. Higher nutrition scores went to those bars with more whole-food ingredients and lower amounts of added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat. Those with the same scores are listed alphabetically. Recommended bars scored at least 4 (out of 5) for nutrition and taste and had no processed protein or fiber. The nutritional information provided here is for a single bar. FRUIT & NUT OR SEED BARS With ingredients like almonds, pumpkin…

THE BEST (& WORST) BARS

CAN YOU TRUST WHAT THE WRAPPER SAYS?

No Sugar Half of the bars in our tests have labels that say what they don’t have in them. Examples include: no sugar and no artificial sweeteners, additives, or flavors. A look at the ingredients list will show that the claims are accurate, but that doesn’t always mean the bar is good for you. For example, Barebells Protein Bar Chocolate Dough states “no added sugar” on the label. But it contains processed proteins, sucralose, and maltitol, a sugar alcohol that can cause digestive upset. Made With Plant Protein You’ve probably heard about the benefits of plant-based protein, like the kind in nuts, soy beans, and peas. But in some bars, it’s in the form of processed powders, not whole foods. Lots of Whole Grains Several of the bars in our tests supplied…

CAN YOU TRUST WHAT THE WRAPPER SAYS?

WHICH ONE IS BETTER?

RXBAR CHOCOLATE SEA SALT It has 200 calories, more than twice as many as the Protein One bar at right, but it’s larger and more substantial. The RxBar also has more protein (12 grams)—and it comes from real foods, such as egg whites and nuts. Plus, it has just as much fiber (5 grams), also from unprocessed ingredients: nuts and dates. Those dates also provide sweetness, so there’s no need for added sweeteners. Our testers gave it a higher taste score than the Protein One bar (see details on page 57). PROTEIN ONE CHOCOLATE FUDGE BAR With just 90 calories, the Protein One bar may look like the better pick. But it’s half the size of the RxBar, so it may not be as satisfying. The Protein One has similar protein (10 grams)…

WHICH ONE IS BETTER?

WHAT TO DO IF YOU BUY A DUD

THE KNOCKING BEGAN quietly at first, deep inside Delane Fisher’s new refrigerator. After a month of it getting louder, she realized that the return period at Home Depot, where she bought the fridge in late 2023, had come and gone. So she called the manufacturer, which sent out a repair technician. Two hours after he left, the knocking returned. Five months and multiple repair visits later, Fisher’s bad-news fridge was still on the fritz, freezing food in the refrigerated section as well as making noise. She asked for a replacement. No dice. One more round with the manufacturer’s repair service did make Fisher’s refrigerator usable—for now at least. But exhausted by the merry-go-round of repairs and run-around with customer service, Fisher, who lives in Nashville, Tenn., begrudgingly bought an extended warranty…

WHAT TO DO IF YOU BUY A DUD

GOT A DUD? START HERE.

KEEP A PAPER TRAIL As soon as you suspect there’s a problem with a product, start documenting it. Snap a photo of your new microwave’s melted plug, for example, or of that dishwasher tub filled with dirty water that won’t drain. Or take a video, with sound, of your washing machine or dryer making scary noises. Then keep a written record of everyone you contacted, when, and what they agreed to do to remedy the situation. ACT FAST You can usually return a product to the store or website where you bought it within 15 to 30 days after you receive it. If you purchased the item on Amazon, for instance, you can usually send it back for a full refund within 30 days of buying it. But some retailers require notification within 48…

GOT A DUD? START HERE.

FOR YOUR NEXT BIG PURCHASE, TRY THIS

→ Seek out reliable companies. You want to buy major appliances from retailers and brands known for reliability and great customer service. Check out our ratings of appliance retailers on the facing page. Also see what the Better Business Bureau has to say. And read the positive and negative reviews, and look for patterns on retailer or manufacturer websites. Did one person report that the water-line to the icemaker froze—or 10? Read reviews of retailers’ customer service—social media can help here—in advance, too. → Shop locally. When possible, buy from independent retailers instead of chain stores. They appear near the top of CR’s ratings, especially in terms of service. Local dealers can sometimes match big-box prices and may offer in-house service and loaners if your appliance isn’t working right. → Read the…

FOR YOUR NEXT BIG PURCHASE, TRY THIS

Your Healthy Teeth Toolkit

With age comes a greater risk that things will go wrong with your teeth. Among adults, procedures such as filling cavities tend to peak in your early to mid-50s, according to the Health Policy Institute. By the time you reach your 60s, you’re almost certain to need treatment for tooth decay. Figuring out exactly what dental care you need and when can be challenging. Yet there’s one key step that’s both simple and inexpensive: taking care of your teeth at home. The great news is that these days, people are more likely to retain their teeth for more years than they used to. But if you do lose a tooth, you’re more likely than ever to have a dental implant put into place, which requires careful upkeep and sometimes needs to…

Your Healthy Teeth Toolkit

CR’s Ultimate Guide to Laundry

Sooner or later it happens: The washer or dryer you’ve been depending on for years handles its last load. Or maybe you inherited a laundry set with your home that has never quite measured up. If this sounds familiar, you might be ready to shop for something new. You’ll find plenty of excellent options to choose from. The best of today’s models deliver superb performance, save water and energy, and have many convenience features, including cycles you can customize to your own needs, WiFi capability that lets you keep tabs on the task at home or away, and more. Also new in this guide: Our top-rated detergents, which get the toughest stains out even if you have hard water. (Salad dressing? Check! Chocolate? Check!) And several come in formulas that are gentle…

CR’s Ultimate Guide to Laundry

Washing Machines

LG WM8900HBA $1,375 OVERALL SCORE EXPERT TIP “If you don’t want to wait for a long wash cycle and your clothes are only lightly soiled, try the quick or speed cycle, which can cut down wash time down by around 20 minutes.” MICHAEL SEDLAK CR Laundry Test Engineer FRONT-LOAD WASHERS How to Shop Looking for the best cleaning performance, energy savings, and room for large loads? Go with a front-loader. These washers tumble your items in and out of water in both a clockwise and counterclockwise motion to clean them, using about 10 gallons per load—about 50 percent less water than top-load agitator machines. ▶ Don’t worry—you don’t have to sacrifice cleaning ability for water savings. Front-load models outscore other washer types in our cleaning tests. They can be energy-misers, too. Energy Star certified front-loaders use about 45 percent…

Washing Machines

EXPERT TIP “Look for a dryer with a moisture sensor. It will more accurately measure the dryness of the load. If you use dryer sheets, clean the sensor periodically with a cotton ball and a little rubbing alcohol.” RICH HANDEL CR Laundry Test Engineer LG DLEX6700B $1,535 OVERALL SCORE How to Shop Electric dryers ($450 to $2,500) need a 240-volt connection to produce the heat needed to dry clothes. Gas dryers ($550 to $2,560) burn natural gas or propane and require a 120-volt electrical outlet. While gas dryers can cost a bit more than electric dryers, natural gas costs less than electricity in some areas. Also keep in mind that installing a new gas line can cost more than $500. ▶ Dryers with top performance scores will do their job faster and better. In our tests, we time…

Washer/Dryer Pairs

LG WM6500HWA washer LG DLEX6500W dryer $2,600 OVERALL SCORE EXPERT TIP “Brands like LG and retailers like Best Buy might offer discount deals for purchasing a matching laundry set, which can save you hundreds of dollars.” ALLIE CHILICKI CR Laundry Market Analyst How to Shop Our ratings pair washers with their recommended electric dryers. They're shown below and on the following page. ▶ Choose your washer first. Once you settle on one with the capacity, cycles, and features that are important to you (see our washing machine ratings, starting on page 77), look at the matching dryer recommended by the manufacturer. (Dryer ratings start on page 83.) ▶ Need a gas dryer? Make sure that option is available in the model you select. If you intend to stack your pair, confirm that the machines are stackable. (Our ratings identify those that…

Washer/Dryer Pairs

All-in-One Washer/Dryers

How to Shop Because these combo units use either condensation technology or an energy-efficient heat pump to remove moisture from clothes, they take longer—up to 3½ hours—to dry a load. But they're ventless, using a drain or water-collecting reservoir for moisture removal rather than an exhaust vent to the outdoors. ▶ The four all-in-ones we tested run on 120 volts instead of the 240 volts required for most traditional dryers. This, plus the lack of a vent hose, means you can place the unit along any wall with a water line. ▶ All-in-ones are typically a few inches larger than a standard front-load washer in one or more direction, so measure your space carefully. They range from $1,550 to about $3,000. What to Avoid If you like to do your laundry quickly, avoid a combination…

All-in-One Washer/Dryers

Compact Washers & Dryers

Samsung WW25B6900AW washer $1,000 OVERALL SCORE Samsung DV25B6900HW dryer $1,065 OVERALL SCORE How to Shop Compact washers are typically front-loaders (see page 77 for full details on those), and pairs are usually stackable, so they don't have a large footprint. ▶ Look for Energy Star certified compacts for the best water and energy efficiency. Models with CR’s Green Choice designation, identified with a green leaf in our ratings, have been determined to have the least impact on the environment, taking into account not just the energy they consume but also the materials and resources needed to produce (and ultimately discard) them. ▶ Compact machines can get pricey. Despite their diminutive dimensions, they cost as much as full-sized machines. You’ll usually get a better deal if you shop for a set. (You can save nearly $300 on the top-rated compact…

Compact Washers & Dryers

Laundry Detergents

How to Shop Your main choices are liquids, pods, sheets, and powders. (CR recently began testing powders again; ratings are forthcoming.) The best one depends on what’s most important to you. ▶ Some detergents excel at stain removal, others are gentle on your skin or the environment, and still others add fragrance. No single detergent, though, manages to excel in all three areas. Ecofriendly products, for example, generally contain chemicals that—while safer—often don’t clean well, and detergents with fragrances can irritate the skin. ▶ Our tests show that liquids clean the best. Persil and Tide are very good, even in hard water. Oxi detergents will brighten whites well. But it’s easy to use more liquid than you need. (Even a large load needs only about 5 ounces, or a little more than half…

Laundry Detergents

Mini Cooper The two- and four-door Coopers have been redesigned for 2025 with a minimalist interior. The base model and sportier Cooper S have turbocharged four-cylinder engines, both with a seven-speed automatic transmission. CR’S TAKE The 201-hp Cooper S we’re testing has agile handling, a spirited powertrain (despite initial hesitation), and a stiff ride. The interior is dominated by a quirky circular center screen. Still, the Cooper remains a fun-to-drive small car with a big personality. BASE PRICE RANGE $28,950-$39,500 DESTINATION CHARGE $995 PRICE AS DRIVEN $36,995 ASK OUR EXPERTS Should I replace a windshield that has a tiny chip in it? Even minor damage to your windshield can lead to larger cracks eventually. So chips should be repaired immediately, says John Ibbotson, chief mechanic at CR’s Auto Test Center. “You can get one repaired at an auto…

Tires That Last the Longest

TIRES ARE a vital investment in your car—and a pricey one, too. On average, Consumer Reports members spent $223 per tire, according to our latest survey. But the real value of that purchase depends on how long the tires last before they’re so worn they need to be replaced. After all, the longer a tire’s lifespan, the less it costs per mile to use. Ideally, you want to find tires that are long-lasting while also possessing other important attributes, like dry and wet grip, ride comfort, and quietness. The good news is that for many drivers it’s possible to find tires that strike that balance, says Ryan Pszczolkowski, CR’s tire program manager. In addition, there are things you can do to prolong the life of your tires, no matter which ones…

Tires That Last the Longest

Protect Yourself on the Road

DEFENSIVE DRIVING is a kind of superpower. All you need to harness it are a few basic skills. With practice, you’ll be better equipped to handle inclement weather, debris on the road, and other drivers’ dangerous behaviors—such as speeding and driving distracted or impaired, all of which cause millions of crashes in the U.S. each year. “The key to being a defensive driver is being hyperaware of your surroundings and laserfocused on driving,” says Michael Crossen, driving instructor and lead automotive technician at Consumer Reports. “By anticipating what’s likely to happen, you can make quick decisions that will keep you safe and help you avoid the cost and hassle of crash repairs.” Motor vehicle crashes are a persistent problem in the U.S. They cost tens of thousands of lives and hundreds of…

Protect Yourself on the Road

MIDSIZED SUVs Lexus GX550 Better Off-Road Than On OVERALL SCORE ROAD-TEST SCORE 62 HIGHS Powerful engine, high-quality cabin materials, off-road ability LOWS Jiggly ride, cumbersome handling, mediocre fuel economy, lots of wind noise POWERTRAIN 349-hp, 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine; 10-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive FUEL 18 mpg on premium PRICE $62,900-$79,900 base price + $1,350 destination charge Total MSRP as tested $71,610 WHILE THE PREVIOUS GX balanced luxury and off-road prowess in equal measure, the redesigned GX550 is more focused on the dirt road less traveled. That means the new TX, which we previously tested, is actually the smarter choice for most shoppers seeking a three-row SUV from Lexus. Compared with the TX, the GX has a rough ride, cumbersome handling, and a loud cabin that’s a challenge to get into and out of. DRIVING EXPERIENCE A stout 349-hp, 3.4-liter turbocharged V6…

The Better Deal

3-ROW SUVs INFINITI QX60 $49,650-$66,100 MAZDA CX-90 $37,845-$57,450 THE BETTER DEAL THE LOWDOWN THE THREE-ROW INFINITI QX60 is a refined SUV with a robust powertrain, many standard advanced safety features, and a comfortable ride. The interior feels luxurious, with soft surfaces and contrast stitching on the upholstery. But those premium touches come at a high price. For less money, consider the Mazda CX-90. It’s one of the best-handling SUVs on the market, matches the Infiniti’s safety features, and has an equally luxe cabin. 2-SLICE TOASTERS BREVILLE A BIT MORE BTA720XL $90 BEAUTIFUL BY DREW BARRYMORE $40 THE BETTER DEAL THE LOWDOWN THE TOP TWO MODELS in our ratings, these two-slice toasters are evenly matched. Both reliably toast bread to your preselected shade, have slots wide enough for bagels or frozen waffles, and are easy to use and to clean. The pricey…

The Better Deal

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